Mission Summary

Artist's Concept Of Lander And Microrover On Mars

The Mars Pathfinder Mission is the second launch in the Discovery Program,
a NASA initiative for planetary missions with a maximum three year development
cycle and a cost cap of $150M (FY92) for development. The Mars Pathfinder
is managed for NASA by the Jet
Propulsion Laboratory,California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California.

The mission is primarily an engineering demonstration of key technologies
and concepts for eventual use in future missions to Mars employing scientific
landers. Pathfinder also delivers science instruments
to the surface of Mars to investigate the structure of the martian atmosphere,
surface meteorology, surface geology, form, and structure, and the elemental
composition of martian rocks and soil. In addition a free-ranging surface rover is deployed to conduct technology
experiments and to serve as an instrument deployment mechanism.

After launch, the spacecraft requires 6 to 7 months to reach Mars, depending
upon the exact launch date. During this phase, a series of four trajectory
correction maneuvers (TCMs) are performed, in order to fine tune the flight
path. Tracking, telemetry, and command operations with the spacecraft are
conducted using the giant dish antennas of the NASA/JPL Deep
Space Network (DSN). Upon arrival at Mars on July 4, 1997, the spacecraft
will enter the martian atmosphere, and then
deploy the parachute, rocket braking system, and
air bag system for a soft, upright landing.
At this point the primary data-taking phase begins, and continues for 30
martian days or sols (24.6 hours).

During this time, the microrover is
deployed and operated for at least 7 sols. If the lander and rover continue
to perform well at the end of this period, an extended mission may continue
for up to one martian year for the lander, and the microrover for up to
30 sols.